Alkylidene complexes of ruthenium containing n-heterocyclic carbene ligands; use as highly active, selective catalysts for olefin metathesis

ABSTRACT

Abstract of the Disclosure 
      Akylidene complexes of ruthenium containing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and their use as highly active, selective catalysts for olefin metathesisThe invention relates to a complex of ruthenium of the structural formula I, 
         
                 
         where X 1  and X 2  are identical or different and are each an anionic ligand, R 1  and R 2  are identical or different and can also contain a ring, and R 1  and R 2  are each hydrogen or/and a hydrocarbon group, the ligand L 1  is an N-heterocyclic carbene and the ligand L 2  is an uncharged electron donor, in particular an N-heterocyclic carbene or an amine, imine, phosphine, phosphite, stibine, arsine, carbonyl compound, carboxyl compound, nitrile, alcohol, ether, thiol or thioether,where R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4  are hydrogen or/and hydrocarbon groups.The invention further relates to a process for preparing acyclic olefins having two or more carbon atoms or/and cyclic olefins having four or more carbon atoms from acyclic olefins having two or more carbon atoms or/and from cyclic olefins having four or more carbon atoms by an olefin metathesis reaction in the presence of at least one catalyst, wherein a complex is used as catalyst and R&#39; 1 , R&#39; 2 , R&#39; 3  and R&#39; 4  are hydrogen or/and hydrocarbon groups.

Detailed Description of the Invention RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of Serial No. 09/647,742 filed November 27, 2000, which is a National stage (under 35 USC 371) application of PCT/EP99/01785 filed March 18, 1999, which claims benefit to German application Serial Number 198 15 275.2 filed April 6, 1998.

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to alkylidene complexes of ruthenium containing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and a process for preparing olefins by olefin metathesis from acyclic olefins having two or more carbon atoms or/and from cyclic olefins having four or more carbon atoms using at least one of these alkylidene complexes as catalyst.

C-C coupling reactions catalyzed by transition metals are among the most important reactions of organic synthetic chemistry. In this context, olefin metathesis makes a significant contribution, since this reaction enables by-product-free olefins to be synthesized. Olefin metathesis has not only a high potential in the area of preparative, organic synthesis (RCM, ethenolysis, metathesis of acyclic olefins) but also in polymer chemistry (ROMP, ADMET, alkyne polymerization). Since its discovery in the 1950s, a number of industrial processes have been able to be realized. Nevertheless, olefin metathesis has developed into a broadly applicable synthetic method only recently due to the discovery of new catalysts (J.C. Mol in: B. Cornils, W.A. Herrmann: Applied Homogeneous Catalysis with Organometallic Compounds, VCH, Weinheim, 1996, p.318-332; M. Schuster, S. Blechert, Angew. Chem. 1997, 109, 2124-2144; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1997, 36, 2036-2056).

Numerous, fundamental studies have made important contributions to the understanding of this transition metal-catalyzed reaction in which an exchange of alkylidene units between olefins occurs. The generally accepted mechanism involves metal-alkylidene complexes as active species. These react with olefins to form metallacyclobutane intermediates which undergo cycloreversion to once again form olefins and alkylidene complexes. The isolation of metathesis-active alkylidene and metallacyclobutane complexes supports these mechanistic hypotheses.

Numerous examples may be found, in particular, in the coordination chemistry of molybdenum and tungsten. Specifically the work of Schrock gave well-defined alkylidene complexes whose reactivity can be controlled (J.S. Murdzek, R.R. Schrock, Organometallics 1987, 6, 1373-1374). The introduction of a chiral ligand sphere in these complexes made possible the synthesis of polymers having a high tacticity (K.M. Totland, T.J. Boyd, G.C. Lavoie, W.M. Davis, R.R. Schrock, Macromolecules 1996, 29, 6114-6125). Chiral complexes of the same structural type have also been used successfully in ring-closing metathesis (O. Fujimura, F.J.d.L. Mata, R.H. Grubbs, Organometallics 1996, 15, 1865-1871). However, the high sensitivity toward functional groups, air and water is a drawback.

Recently, phosphine-containing complexes of ruthenium have become established (R.H. Grubbs, S.T. Nguyen, L.K. Johnson, M.A. Hillmyer, G.C. Fu, WO 96/04289, 1994; P. Schwab, M.B. France, J.W. Ziller, R.H. Grubbs, Angew. Chem., 1995, 107, 2179-2181; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1995, 34, 2039-2041). Owing to the electron-rich, "soft" character of later transition metals, these complexes have a high tolerance toward hard, functional groups. This is demonstrated, for example, by their use in natural product chemistry (RCM of dienes) (Z. Yang, Y. He, D. Vourloumis, H. Vallberg, K.C. Nicolaou, Angew. Chem. 1997, 109, 170-172; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1997, 36, 166-168; D. Meng, P. Bertinato, A. Balog, D.S. Su, T. Kamenecka, E.J. Sorensen, S.J. Danishefsky, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 2733-2734; D. Schinzer, A. Limberg, A. Bauer, O.M. Böhm, M. Cordes, Angew. Chem. 1997, 109, 543-544; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1997, 36, 523-524; A. Fürstner, K. Langemann, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 9130-9136).

However, the range of variation of the phosphine ligands used is very restricted due to steric and electronic factors. Only strongly basic, bulky alkylphosphines such as tricyclohexylphosphine, triisopropylphosphine and tricyclopentylphosphine are suitable for the metathesis of acyclic olefins and relatively unstrained ring systems. Accordingly, the reactivity of these catalysts cannot be adjusted. Chiral complexes of this structural type have also not been able to be obtained.

For these reasons, it is an object of the invention to develop tailored metathesis catalysts which have a high tolerance toward functional groups as a result of a variable ligand sphere and which allow fine adjustment of the catalyst for specific properties of different olefins.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a complex of ruthenium of the structural formula I,

where X¹ and X² are identical or different and are each an anionic ligand,

R¹ and R² are identical or different and can also contain a ring, and R¹ and R² are each hydrogen or/and a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups are identical or different and are selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or/and noncyclic radicals from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms and silyl radicals,

where one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon or/and silyl groups can be replaced independently by identical or different alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, metallocenyl, halogen, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or/and sulfonyl groups,

the ligand L¹ is an N-heterocyclic carbene of the formulae II-V and the ligand L² is an uncharged electron donor, in particular an N-heterocyclic carbene of the formulae II-V or an amine, imine, phosphine, phosphite, stibine, arsine, carbonyl compound, carboxyl compound, nitrile, alcohol, ether, thiol or thioether,

where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ in the formulae II, III, IV and V are identical or different and are each hydrogen or/and a hydrocarbon group,

where the hydrocarbon groups comprise identical or different, cyclic, noncyclic, straight-chain or/and branched radicals selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms and aryl radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, in which at least one hydrogen may be replaced by functional groups, and where one or both of R³ and R⁴ may be identical or different halogen, nitro, nitroso, alkoxy, aryloxy, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or/and sulfonyl groups.

The alkyl radicals, alkenyl radicals or alkynyl radicals in the formulae I to V preferably have from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, particularly preferably from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

The complexes of the invention are highly active catalysts for olefin metathesis. They are particularly inexpensive. In olefin metathesis, the catalysts of the invention display not only a high tolerance toward a variety of functional groups but also a wide range of possible variations in the ligand sphere. Variation of the preparatively readily obtainable N-heterocyclic carbene ligands enables activity and selectivity to be controlled in a targeted manner and, in addition, chirality can be introduced in a simple way.

The anionic ligands X¹ and X² of the complex of the invention, which are identical or different, are preferably each halide, pseudohalide, tetraphenylborate, perhalogenated tetraphenylborate, tetrahaloborate, hexahalophosphate, hexahaloantimonate, trihalomethanesulfonate, alkoxide, carboxylate, tetrahaloaluminate, tetracarbonylcobaltate, hexahaloferrate(III), tetrahaloferrate(III) or/and tetrahalopalladate(II), with preference being given to halide, pseudohalide, tetraphenylborate, perfluorinated tetraphenylborate, tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, hexafluoroantimonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, alkoxide, carboxylate, tetrachloroaluminate, tetracarbonylcobaltate, hexafluoroferrate (III), tetrachloroferrate(III) or/and tetrachloropalladate(II) and preferred pseudohalides being cyanide, thiocyanate, cyanate, isocyanate and isothiocyanate.

In the formulae II, III, IV and V, some or all of the hydrogen in the hydrocarbon groups R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ can be replaced independently by identical or different halogen, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio, sulfonyl or/and metallocenyl groups. In these formulae, R³ and R⁴ can form a fused-on ring system.

The ligands L¹ and L² of the complex of the structural formula I can form a chelating ligand of the formula VI

L¹-Y-L²

VI

where the bridges Y can comprise cyclic, noncyclic, straight-chain or/and branched radicals selected from the group consisting of alkylene radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenylene radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkynylene radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, arylene radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, metallocenylene, borylene and silylene radicals in which one or more hydrogens may be replaced independently by identical or different alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, metallocenyl, halo, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or/and sulfonyl groups, preferably alkyl, aryl or/and metallocenyl groups.

The ligands of the formulae II, III, IV, V or/and VI can have central, axial or/and planar chirality.

In the structural formula I of the complex, R¹ and R² are preferably hydrogen, substituted or/and unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or/and aryl radicals, X¹ and X² are preferably halide, alkoxide or/and carboxylate ions and L¹ and L² are preferably each an N-heterocyclic carbene of the formula II.

The complexes are usually synthesized by ligand replacement in corresponding phosphine complexes. Two phosphine ligands can be replaced selectively in accordance with the reaction equation (1) or only one can be replaced in accordance with reaction equation (2). In the case of single replacement, the second phosphine can be replaced selectively by another electron donor, e.g. pyridine, phosphine, N-heterocyclic carbene, phosphite, stibene, arsine, in accordance with reaction equation (3).

In particular, this route makes it possible for the first time to prepare chiral, metathesis-active catalysts based on ruthenium (example complexes 2 and 3).

The complexes of the invention are found to be extremely efficient catalysts in olefin metathesis. The excellent metathesis activity is demonstrated in the examples by means of a number of examples of different metathesis reactions.

The present invention therefore also encompasses processes for all olefin metathesis reactions such as ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), metathesis of acyclic olefins, ethenolysis, ring-closing metathesis (RCM), acyclic diene metathesis polymerization (ADMET) and depolymerization of olefin polymers. The high stability and tolerance of the complexes of the invention toward functional groups, in particular alcohol, amine, thiol, ketone, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, ether, silane, sulfide and halogen groups, makes it possible for such functional groups to be present during the metathesis reaction.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a process for preparing acyclic olefins having two or more carbon atoms or/and cyclic olefins having four or more carbon atoms, in each case of the formula VII

from acyclic olefins having two or more carbon atoms or/and from cyclic olefins having four or more carbon atoms, in each case corresponding to the formula VII by an olefin metathesis reaction in the presence of at least one catalyst, wherein

a catalyst as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 is used and R'¹, R'², R'³ and R'⁴ in the formula VII are hydrogen or/and hydrocarbon groups, where the hydrocarbon group is each selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or/and noncyclic radicals of the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, metallocenyl or/and silyl radicals, in which one or more hydrogens may be replaced by a functional group, where one or more of R'¹, R'², R'³ and R'⁴ may independently be identical or different halogen, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio, sulfonyl or/and metallocenyl groups.

The olefins used preferably contain one or more double bonds. In particular, R'¹, R'², R'³ and R'⁴ in the olefins of the formula VII to be prepared form, in pairs, one or more identical or different rings.

Preferably, some or all of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon groups R'¹, R'², R'³ and R'⁴ of the olefins of the formula VII to be prepared are replaced independently by identical or different halogen, silyl, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio, sulfonyl or/and metallocenyl groups.

The process of the invention can be carried out in the presence or absence of solvents, but preferably in the presence of organic solvents. The process of the invention can advantageously be carried out with addition of a Brönsted acid, preferably HCl, HBr, HI, HBF₄, HPF₆ or/and trifluoroacetic acid, or/and with addition of a Lewis acid, preferably BF₃, AlCl₃ or/and ZnI₂.

Surprisingly, this makes it possible for the first time to tailor a wide variety of olefins individually to different properties on the basis of small variations in the catalysis conditions or/and the catalysts, since the process of the invention for preparing olefins has an unexpectedly high tolerance toward functional groups.

Examples:

The following examples illustrate the invention but do not restrict its scope.

1) Preparation of the complex of the invention

General procedure:

1 mmol of (PPh₃)₂Cl₂Ru(=CHPh) was dissolved in 20 ml of toluene and admixed with a solution of 2.2 equivalents of the appropriate imidazolin-2-ylidene in 5 ml of toluene. The reaction solution was stirred at room temperature RT for 45 minutes, subsequently evaporated to about 2 ml and the crude product was precipitated using 25 ml of pentane. The crude product was taken up in 2 ml of toluene and precipitated using 25 ml of pentane a number of times. The residue was extracted with toluene, the solution was evaporated to dryness, washed twice with pentane and dried for a number of hours in a high vacuum.

The data from low-temperature NMR spectra are mostly reported for characterization, since the spectra at room temperature sometimes did not give all the information because of dynamic effects.

The following compounds are prepared by the abovedescribed general procedure:

1a) Benzylidenedichlorobis(1,3-diisopropylimidazolin-2-ylidene)ruthenium

- complex 1:

Yield: 487 mg (0.86 mmol = 86% of theory)

Elemental analysis EA for C₂₅H₃₈Cl₂N₄Ru (566.58):

found C 53.21 H 6.83 N 9.94;

calculated C 53.00 H 6.76 N 9.89.

¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/200 K): δ 20.33 (1H, s, Ru=CH), 8.25 (2H, d, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, o-H of C₆H₅), 7.63 (1H, t, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, p-H of C₆H₅), 7.34 (2H, t, m-H of C₆H₅, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz), 7.15 (2H, br, NCH), 7.03 (2H, br, NCH), 5.97 (2H, spt, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe₂), 3.73 (2H, spt, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe₂), 1.64 (12H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe ₂), 1.11 (6H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe ₂), 0.75 (6H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe ₂).

¹³C-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/200 K): δ 295.6 (Ru=CH), 183.5 (NCN), 151.6 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 129.5, 128.6 and 128.1 (o-C, m-C and p-C of C₆H₅), 118.1 and 117.2 (NCH), 52.1 and 50.1 (NCHMe₂), 24.5, 23.8, 23.8 and 22.4 (NCHMe ₂).

1b) Benzylidenedichlorobis(1,3-di((R)-1'-phenylethyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene)ruthenium

- complex 2:

Yield: 676 mg (0.83 mmol = 83% of theory)

EA for C₄₅H₄₆Cl₂N₄Ru(814.86):

found C 66.48 H 5.90 N 6.73;

calc.C 66.33 H 5.69 N 6.88.

¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/200 K): δ 20.26 (1H, s, Ru=CH), 8.13 (2H, br, o-H C₆H₅), 7.78 - 6.67 (29H, of which 2m-H and 1p-H of C₆H₅, 20H of NCHMePh, 2H of NCHMePh and 4H of NCH), 4.91 (2H, m, NCHMePh), 1.84 (3H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.6 Hz, NCHMePh), 1.81 (3H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.6 Hz, NCHMePh), 1.51 (3H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.6 Hz, NCHMePh), 1.21 (3H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.6 Hz, NCHMePh).

¹³C-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/200 K): δ 294.7 (Ru=CH), 186.0 and 185.6 (NCN), 151.2 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 141.2, 140.3, 140.1 and 139.9 (ipso-C of NCHMePh), 133.1 - 125.9 (o-C, m-C, p-C of C₆H₅ and NCHMePh), 120.5, 119.9, 119.2 and 118.8 (NCH), 57.6, 57.4, 56.7 and 56.1 (NCHMePh), 22.2, 20.6, 20.4 and 20.3 (NCHMePh).

1c) Benzylidenedichlorobis(1,3-di-((R)-1'-naphthylethyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene)ruthenium

- complex 3:

Yield: 792 mg (0.78 mmol = 78% of theory)

EA for C₆₁H₅₄Cl₂N₄Ru(1015.1):

foundC 72.34 H 5.46 N 5.45;

calc.C 72.18 H 5.36 N 5.52.

¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/260 K): δ 20.90 (1H, s, Ru=CH), 8.99 (2H, br, o-H of C₆H₅), 8.2 - 5.6 (39H, of which 2m-H and 1p-H of C₆H₅, 28H of NCHMeNaph, 4H of NCH and 4H of NCHMeNaph), 2.5 - 0.8 (12H, m, NCHMeNaph).

¹³C-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/260 K): δ 299.9 (Ru=CH), 187.2 and 184.7 (NCN), 152.0 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 136.0 - 124.0 (o-C, m-C, p-C of C₆H₅ and NCHMeNaph), 121.7, 121.0, 119.9, and 118.9 (NCH), 56.7, 56.1, 55.0 and 54.7 (NCHMeNaph), 24.7, 24.3, 21.0 and 20.0 (NCHMeNaph).

For the following complexes, slight deviations from the general procedure are necessary:

1d) (4-Chlorobenzylidene)dichlorobis(1,3-diisopropylimidazolin-2-ylidene)ruthenium

- complex 4:

1 mmol of (PPh₃)₂Cl₂Ru[=CH(p-C₆H₄Cl)] was used as starting material. The further procedure corresponded to the abovedescribed general procedure.

Yield: 535 mg (0.89 mmol = 89% of theory)

EA for C₂₄H₃₈Cl₃N₄Ru (601.03):

found C 48.13 H 6.33 N 9.24;

calc. C 47.96 H 6.37 N 9.32.

¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 200 K): δ 20.33 (1H, s, Ru=CH), 8.25 (2H, d,³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, o-H of C₆H₄Cl), 7.63 (1H, t, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, m-H of C₆H₄Cl), 7.15 (2H, br, NCH), 7.03 (2H, br, NCH), 5.97 (2H, spt, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe₂), 3.73 (2H, spt, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe₂), 1.64 (12H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe ₂), 1.11 (6H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe₂), 0.75 (6H, d, ³J_(HH) = 6.4 Hz, NCHMe ₂).

¹³C-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 200 K): δ 295.6 (Ru=CH), 183.5 (NCN), 151.6 (ipso-C of C₆H₄Cl), 134.3 (p-C of C₆H₄Cl), 128.6 and 128.1 (o-C and m-C of C₆H₄Cl), 118.1 and 117.2 (NCH), 52.1 and 50.1 (NCHMe₂), 24.5, 23.8, 23.8 and 22.4 (NCHMe ₂).

1e) Benzylidenedichlorobis(1,3-dicyclohexylimidazolin-2-ylidene)ruthenium

- complex 5:

1 mmol of (PPh₃)₂Cl₂Ru(=CHPh) was dissolved in 25 ml of toluene and admixed with a solution of 2.2 equivalents of 1,3-dicyclohexylimidazolin-2-ylidene in 5 ml of toluene. The reaction solution was stirred at RT for 45 minutes and subsequently freed of the solvent. Unlike the general procedure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography.

Yield: 305 mg (0.42 mmol = 42% of theory)

EA for C₃₇H₅₄Cl₂N₄Ru (726.84):

found C 61.23 H 7.56 N 7.87;

calc. C 61.14 H 7.49 N 7.71.

¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 298 K): δ 20.45 (1H, s, Ru=CH), 8.31 (2H, d, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, o-H- of C₆H₅), 7.63 (1H, t, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, p-H- of C₆H₅), 7.34 (2H, t, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, m-H- of C₆H₅), 7.14 (2H, br, NCH), 7.00 (2H, br, NCH), 6.06 (2H, br, CH of NC₆H₁₁), 3.82 (2H, br, CH of NC₆H₁₁), 1.64 (12H,br,CH₂ of NC₆H₁₁), 0.93 (12H, br, CH₂ of NC₆H₁₁).

¹³C-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 298 K): δ 299.4 (Ru=CH), 182.9 (NCN), 152.0 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 131.1, 129.8 and 129.1 (o-C, m-C and p-C of C₆H₅), 118.3 and 117.8 (br, NCH), 59.6 and 57.5 (br, CH of NC₆H₁₁), 35.7, 26.9 and 25.6 (br, CH₂ of NC₆H₁₁).

1f) Benzylidenedichloro(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-ylidene)(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium

- complex 6:

1 mmol of (PPh₃)₂Cl₂Ru(=CHPh) was dissolved in 20 ml of toluene and admixed with a solution of 1.1 equivalents of 1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-ylidene in 5 ml of toluene. The reaction solution was stirred at RT for 30 minutes, subsequently evaporated to about 2 ml and the crude product was precipitated using 25 ml of pentane. The further work-up was carried out as described in the general procedure.

Yield: 493 mg (0.70 mmol = 70% of theory)

EA for C₃₆H₄₁Cl₂N₂P₁Ru (704.69):

found C 61.12 H 5.55 N 3.62 P 4.59

calc. C 61.36 H 5.86 N 3.98 P 4.38.

¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 200 K): δ 20.70 (1H, s, Ru=CH), 8.03 (2H, d, ³J_(HH) = 7.6 Hz, o-H of C₆H₅), 7.50 - 6.95 (20 H, of which 2m-H and 1p-H of C₆H₅, 15H of PPh₃ and 2H of NCH), 1.86 (9H, s, NCMe₃), 1.45 (9H, s, NCMe₃).

¹³C-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 200 K): δ 307.4 (br, Ru=CH), 178.3 (d, J_(PC) = 86 Hz, NCN), 151.5 (d, J_(PC) = 4.5 Hz, ipso-C of C₆H₅), 135.0 (m, o-C of PPh₃), 131.9 (m, ipso-C of PPh₃), 130.2 (s, p-C of PPh₃), 129.5, 128.6 and 128.1 (s, o-C, m-C and p-C of C₆H₅), 128.0 (m, m-C of PPh₃), 117.7 and 117.6 (NCH), 58.7 and 58.5 (NCMe₃), 30.0 and 29.5 (NCMe ₃).

³¹P-NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 200 K): δ 40.7 (s, PPh₃).

1g) Benzylidenedichloro-(1,3-dicyclohexylimidazolin-2-ylidene)(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium

A solution of 1.2 mmol of dicyclohexylimidazolin-2-ylidene is added dropwise at -78°C to 1 mmol of RuCl₂(PCy₃)₂(CHPh) in 100 ml of THF. The mixture is slowly warmed to room temperature over a period of 5 hours and the solvent is subsequently removed. The crude product is extracted with a mixture of 2 ml of toluene and 25 ml of pentane and the product is precipitated from this solution at -78°C.

Yield: 0.80 mmol (80% of theory)

EA for C₄₀H₆₃Cl₂N₂PRu:

found C 61.99, H 8.20, N 3.62; calc. C 61.11; H 8.29; N 3.59.

¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ = 20.30 (1H, d, ³ J _(PH) = 7.4 Hz, Ru=CH), 8.33 (2H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 7.4 Hz, o-H of C₆H₅), 7.62 (1H, t, ³ J _(HH) = 7.4 Hz, p-H of C₆H₅),7.33 (2H, t, ³ J _(HH) = 7.4 H₂, o-H of C₆H₅), 7.11 (1H, s, NCH), 6.92 (1H, s, NCH), 5.97 (1H, m, CH of NC₆H₁₁), 3.36 (1H, m, CH of NC₆H₁₁), 2.42 (3H, m, CH of PCy₃), 1.90-0.89 (50H, all m, CH₂ of NC₆H₁₁ and PCy₃).

¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ = 298.7 (Ru=CH), 181.2 (d, J _(PC) = 88 Hz, NCN), 152.5 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 130.8, 129.8, and 129.2 (o-C, m-C, and p-C of C₆H₅), 118.9 and 118.0 (NCH), 59.5 and 57.7 (CH of NC₆H₁₁) 33.2 (d, J _(PC) = 17 Hz, ipso-C of PCy₃), 29.9 (s, m-C of PCy₃), 26.8 (d, J _(PC) = 3.7 Hz, o-C of PCy₃),.25.4 (s, p-C of PCy₃) 34.9, 33.3, 33.1, 28.2, 28.1, and 25.7 (CH₂ of NC₆H₁₁).

³¹P NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ = 28.2.

1h) Benzylidenedichloro(1,3-di-((R)-1'-phenylethyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene)(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium

A solution of 1.2 mmol of di-(R)-1'-phenylethylimidazolin-2-ylidene is added dropwise at -78°C to 1 mmol of RuCl₂(PCy₃)₂(CHPh) in 100 ml of THF. The mixture is slowly warmed to room temperature over a period of 5 hours and the solvent is subsequently removed. The crude product is extracted with a mixture of 2 ml of toluene and 25 ml of pentane and the product is precipitated from this solution at -78°C.

Yield: 0.74 mmol (74% of theory)

EA for C₄₄H₅₉Cl₂N₂PRu:

calc. C 64.53, H 7.27, N 3.42; found C 64.58, H 7.34, N 3.44.

¹H NMR(CD₂Cl₂/ 25°C): δ 20.19 (1H, d, ³ J _(PH) = 4.5 Hz, Ru=CH), 7.74 - 7.00 (15H, all m, CH of C₆H₅), (1H, m, NCHMePh), 6.73 (1H, s, NCH), 6.70 (1H, s, NCH), 2.52 (1H, m, NCHMePh), 2.44 (3H, m, CH of PCy₃), 2.11 (3H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 6.8 Hz, NCHMePh), 1.82-1.12 (30H, all m, CH₂ of PCy₃)1.35 (3H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 6.8 Hz, NCHMePh).

¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ = 292.7 (Ru=CH), 183.4 (d, J _(PC) = 78 Hz, NCN), 151.8 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 140.1 and 139.5 (ipso-C of NCHMEPh), 129.5, 128.5, 128.3, 127.9, 127.5, 127.4, 127.2, 126.6, and 126.1 (o-C, m-C and p-C of C₆H₅) 119.8 and 118.4 (NCH), 57.4 and 56.2 (NCHMePh), 31.3(d, J _(PC) = 17 Hz, ipso-C of PCy₃), 29.0 (s, m-C of PCy₃), 28.9 (s, m-C of PCy₃), 27.2 (d, J _(PC) = 3.7 Hz, o-C of PCy₃), 27.0 (d, J _(PC) = 3.7 Hz, o-C of PCy₃), 25.8 (s, p-C of PCy₃) 21.7 and 20.3 (NCHMePh).

³¹P NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ 38.1.

1i) Benzylidenedichloro(1,3-di-((R)-1'-naphthylethyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene)(tricyclohexylphosphine)ruthenium

A solution of 1.2 mmol of di-(R)-1'-naphthylethylimidazolin-2-ylidene is added dropwise at -78°C to 1 mmol of RuCl₂(PCy₃)₂(CHPh) in 100 ml of THF. The mixture is slowly warmed to room temperature over a period of 5 hours and the solvent is subsequently removed. The crude product is extracted with a mixture of 2 ml of toluene and 25 ml of pentane and the product is precipitated from this solution at -78°C.

Yield: 0.72 mmol (72% of theory)

EA for C₅₂H₆₃Cl₂N₂PRu:

calc. C 67.95, H 6.91, N 3.05; found C 68.09, H 7.02, N 3.04.

¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂/ 25°C): δ 20.33 (1H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 5.4 Hz, Ru=CH), 8.88 (2H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 8.0 Hz, o-H of C₆H₅) 7.94 - 6.96 (17H, all m, CH of C₆H₅), 6.70 (1H, s, NCH), 6.61 (1H, s, NCH), 5.83 (1H, m, NCHMeNaph), 2.59 (1H, m, NCHMeNaph), 2.49 (3H, m, CH of PCy₃), 2.44 (3H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 6.8 Hz, NCHMeNaph), 1.95-1.01 (30H, all m, CH₂ of PCy₃)1.54 (3H, d, ³ J _(HH) = 6.8 Hz, NCHMeNaph).

¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ = 298.4 (Ru=CH), 184.0 (d, J _(PC) = 87 Hz, NCN), 152.3 (ipso-C of C₆H₅), 138.3 and 137.6 (ipso-C of NCHMeNaph), 134.3 - 122.9 (o-C, m-C, and p-C of C₆H₅, CHMeNaph) 120.6 and 119.5 (NCH), 56.4 and 55.7 (NCHMeNaph), 32.5(d, J _(PC) = 17 Hz, ipso-C of PCy₃), 30.1 (s, m-C of PCy₃), 30.0 (s, m-C of PCy₃), 28.1 (pseudo-t, J _(PC) = 7.4 Hz, o-C of PCy₃), 26.8 (s, p-C of PCy₃) 24.0 and 22.7 (NCHMeNaph).

³¹P NMR (CD₂Cl₂ / 25°C): δ = 31.8.

2) Use of the complex of the invention in olefin metathesis

The following examples demonstrate the potential of the complexes of the invention in olefin metathesis. The advantage of these complexes of the invention compared to phosphine-containing complexes is the targeted and inexpensive variation of the radicals R on the nitrogen atoms of the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. This tailoring of the catalysts of the invention on the basis of individual properties of the olefins to be subjected to metathesis enables both activity and selectivity of the reaction to be controlled.

2a) Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP):

Norbornene, cyclooctene and functionalized norbornene derivatives serve as examples.

Typical reaction procedure for the polymerization of cyclooctene (or norbornene):

410 μl (3.13 mmol) of cyclooctene were added to a solution of 3.6 mg (6.3 μmol) of 1 in 0.5 ml of methylene chloride. After about 10 minutes, a highly viscous gel which could no longer be stirred had formed. 1 ml of methylene chloride was added. This procedure was repeated whenever the stirrer was no longer able to operate (a total of 3 ml of methylene chloride). After 1 hour, 5 ml of methylene chloride to which small amounts of tert-butyl ether and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol had been added were introduced. After a further 10 minutes, the solution was slowly added dropwise to a large excess of methanol, the mixture was filtered and the solid was dried in a high vacuum for a number of hours.

Yield: 291 mg (2.64 mmol = 84.3% of theory)

Table 1. Polymerization of norbornene and cyclooctene

Example Complex Monomer Ratio of [monomer]/ [cat.] Reaction time t Yield 2.1a 1 Norbornene 100 : 1 1 min 91% 2.1b 5 Norbornene 100 : 1 1 min 92% 2.1c 1 Cyclooctene 500 : 1 1 h 84% 2.1d 1 Cyclooctene 500 : 1 2 h 97% 2.1e 5 Cyclooctene 500 : 1 1 h 87%

Typical reaction procedure for the polymerization of functionalized norbornene derivatives:

The formula VIII shows the basic skeleton of the norbornene derivatives used in Table 2.

0.3 ml of a solution of 432 mg (3.13 mmol) of 5-carboxyl-2-norbornene (formula VIII with R = CO₂H) in methylene chloride was added to a solution of 3.6 mg (6.3 μmol) of 1 in 0.2 ml of methylene chloride. After about 10 minutes, a highly viscous gel which could no longer be stirred had formed. A further 0.5 ml of methylene chloride was added. This procedure was repeated whenever the stirrer was no longer able to operate. After 1 hour, 5 ml of methylene chloride to which small amounts of tert-butyl ether and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol had been added were introduced. After a further 10 minutes, the solution was slowly added dropwise to a large excess of methanol, filtered and the solid was dried in a high vacuum for a number of hours.

Yield: 423 mg (3.06 mmol = 98.1% of theory)

The reactions at 50°C were carried out in an analogous manner in dichloroethane instead of methylene chloride.

Table 2. Polymerization of functionalized norbornene derivatives

Example Complex Radical R in formula VIII T[°C] Reaction time t Yield 2.1f 1 O₂CCH₃ 25 30 min 99% 2.1g 1 CH₂OH 25 2 h 15% 2.1h 1 CH₂OH 50 2 h 18% 2.1i 1 CHO 25 2 h 36% 2.1k 1 CHO 50 2 h 52% 2.1l 1 COCH₃ 25 2 h 42% 2.1m 1 COCH₃ 50 2 h 67% 2.1n 1 CO₂H 25 2 h 98%

The polymerization of norbornene occurred in seconds. In the polymerization of cyclooctene, virtually quantitative conversions were obtained within one hour (Table 1). Differences in activity can be detected by use of various complexes under dilute conditions and demonstrate the dependence of the activity on the substitution pattern of the carbene ligands used. The high stability and tolerance toward functional groups is demonstrated by the polymerization of functionalized norbornene derivatives containing ester, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone or/and carboxylic acid groups (Table 2). Here, monomers of the formula VIII with R = CH₂OH, CHO and CO₂H were able to be polymerized for the first time.

2.2) Ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of 1,7-octadiene:

Typical reaction procedure for RCM of 1,7-octadiene:

A solution of 3.6 mg (6.3 μmol) of 1 in 2 ml of dichloroethane was admixed with 46 μl (0.31 mmol) of 1,7-octadiene, and the reaction mixture was placed in an oil bath at 60°C. After one hour, the reaction mixture was analyzed by GC/MS.

Table 3. RCM of 1,7-octadiene (octadiene/catalyst = 50:1)

Example Complex Solvent T[°C] Reaction time t Yield 2.2a 1 Methylene chloride 25 5.5 h 51% 2.2b 1 Methylene chloride 25 24 h 70% 2.2c 1 Dichloroethane 60 1 h 99% 2.2d 2 Dichloroethane 60 1 h 99% 2.2e 3 Dichloroethane 60 1 h 99% 2.2f 5 Dichloroethane 60 1 h 99%

The potential in ring-closing metathesis was illustrated by the reaction of 1,7-octadiene to form cyclohexene with liberation of ethylene (Table 3). 1 gave a yield of 51% after 5.5 hours; at 60°C, all complexes of the invention used gave quantitative conversions.

2.3) Metathesis of acyclic olefins

A) Metathesis of 1-octene:

Typical reaction procedure for the metathesis of 1-octene:

A solution of 3.6 mg (6.3 μmol) of 1 in 2 ml of dichloroethane was admixed with 49 μl (0.31 mmol) of 1-octene, and the reaction mixture was placed in an oil bath at 60°C. After 3 hours, the reaction mixture was analyzed by GC/MS.

Table 4. Homometathesis of 1-octene (octene/catalyst = 50:1)

Example Complex T[°C] Reaction time t Conversion of 1-octene Selectivity^(a) 2.3a 2 60 1 h 31% 98% 2.3b 2 60 2 h 58% 97% 2.3c 1 60 1 h 83% 73% 2.3d 1 60 3 h 97% 63%

^(a) The selectivity indicates the proportion of 7-tetradecene compared to other metathesis products

B) Metathesis of methyl oleate:

Typical reaction procedure for the metathesis of methyl oleate:

A solution of 3.6 mg (6.3 μmol) of 1 in 0.5 ml of dichloroethane was admixed with 1.06 ml (3.13 mmol) of methyl oleate, and the reaction mixture was placed in an oil bath at 60°C for 15 hours. GC/MS analysis indicated the equilibrium of metathesis products shown in the reaction equation (7).

The metathesis of terminal and internal olefins was demonstrated by means of the homometathesis of 1-octene and methyl oleate. In the metathesis of methyl oleate as natural raw material, the thermodynamic equilibrium can virtually be reached within 15 hours using catalyst 1 at an olefin : catalyst ratio of 500 : 1. In the metathesis of 1-octene, 7-tetradecene was not obtained as sole reaction product in all cases. An isomerization of 1-octene to 2-octene detected by NMR spectroscopy and subsequent olefin metathesis is responsible for this fact. Homometathesis and cross-metathesis of 1-octene and 2-octene gave not only 7-tetradecene but also 6-tridecene as main by-product and small amounts of 6-dodecene, 1-heptene and 2-nonene. The product distribution is strongly dependent on the catalyst used. In the case of 2, 7-tetradecene was obtained virtually selectively; in contrast, the more active complex 1 gave 7-tetradecene in a selectivity of only 63% at a high conversion. The by-product obtained was essentially 6-tridecene from the cross-metathesis of 1-octene with 2-octene.

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of 1,5-cyclooctadiene

ROMP of 1,5-cyclooctadiene. NMR comparison of a ruthenium-dicarbene complex with a ruthenium-carbene-phosphine complex. (T = 25°C; 1.70 μmol of catalyst in 0.55 ml of CD₂Cl₂; [1,5-cyclooctadiene] / [catalyst] = 250:1).

Compound A

Compound B

The same applies to ROMP of cyclooctene:

ROMP of cyclooctene. NMR kinetics of a ruthenium-dicarbene complex compared to a ruthenium-carbene-phosphine complex. (T = 25°C; 2.50 μmol of catalyst in 0.50 ml of CD₂Cl₂; [cyclooctene] / [catalyst] = 250:1.

Compound A

Compound B 

1. A compound of the formula I,

where X¹ and X² are identical or different and are each an anionic ligand, R¹ and R² are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups are identical or different and are selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or noncyclic radicals from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms and silyl radicals, or R¹ and R² contain a ring, where one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon or silyl groups or both the hydrocarbon and silyl group can be replaced independently by identical or different alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, metallocenyl, halogen, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or sulfonyl groups, the ligand L¹ is an N-heterocyclic carbene of the formula IV and the ligand L² is an uncharged electron donor,

(IV) where R₁, R₂ and R₃ are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups comprise identical or different, cyclic, noncyclic, straight-chain or/and branched radicals selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms and aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms, in which at least one hydrogen may be replaced by functional groups, and where R₃ may be halogen, nitro, nitroso, alkoxy, aryloxy, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or sulfonyl groups.
 2. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one R¹ and R² is C₁-alkyl.
 3. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein some or all of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon groups R₁, R₂, and R₃ in the formulae IV replaced independently by identical or different halogen, nitro, hydroxy, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or sulfonyl.
 4. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² is C₁-alkyl.
 5. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein R¹ is hydrogen and R² is phenyl.
 6. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein L² is tricyclohexylphosphine.
 7. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein X¹ and X² independently are halide, alkoxide or carboxylate ions.
 8. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein X¹ and X² independently are halide.
 9. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² together form a cycloalkyl or an aryl moiety.
 10. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are hydrogen or phenyl.
 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are phenyl.
 12. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are the same and each is independently of the formula

wherein: R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are the same and are each methyl.
 13. A method for synthesizing the compound as claimed in claim 1, comprising contacting a compound of the formula

with a compound of the formula

wherein: X¹ and X² are either the same or different and are an anionic ligand; R¹ and R² are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups are identical or different and are selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or noncyclic radicals from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms and silyl radicals, or R¹ and R² contain a ring, L¹ and L² are either the same or difference and are neutral electron donor; R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently hydrogen or a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, carboxylate, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, aryloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl and alkylsulfinyl, wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted; and W is selected from the group consisting of C₁ -C₃ primary alkyl oxides and wherein W is substituted or unsubstituted.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is triazolylidene.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein R⁶ and R⁷ together form a cycloalkyl or an aryl moiety.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are both hydrogen or phenyl.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are the same and each is independently of the formula

wherein: R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or a functional group selected from hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, carbamate, and halogen.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are the same and are each methyl.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein W is functionalized with a functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodimide, carboalkoxy, carbamate, and halogen.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein W is methoxide.
 21. The method of claim 13, wherein X¹ and X² are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted moiety and unsubstituted moiety, wherein the moiety is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkoxide, aryloxide, alkyldiketonate, aryldiketonate, carboxylate, arylsulfonate, alkylsulfonate, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, and alkylsulfinyl, and wherein the moiety substitution is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, and aryl; and L¹ and L² are each independently selected from the group consisting of phosphine, sulfonated phosphine, phosphite, phosphinite, phosphonite, arsine, stibine, ether, amine, amide, imine, sulfoxide, carboxyl, nitrosyl, pyridine, and thioether; and R¹ is hydrogen and R² is phenyl.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein X¹ and X² are each chloride and L¹ and L² are each independently selected from the group consisting of P(cyclohexyl)₃, P(cyclopentyl)₃, P(isopropyl)₃, and P(phenyl)₃.
 23. The method of claim 13, wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R² , R⁶ and R⁷ are each phenyl, L¹ is PPh₃, and X¹ and X² are each chloride.
 24. A method for synthesizing a compound of the formula

comprising: contacting a compound of the formula:

with a compound of the formula


25. A method for attaching a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand to a ruthenium metal carbene metathesis complex comprising: contacting the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand with a compound of the formula

wherein X¹ and X² are either the same or different and are an anionic ligand; R¹ and R² are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups are identical or different and are selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or noncyclic radicals from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms and silyl radicals, or R¹ and R² contain a ring, L¹ and L² are either the same or difference and are neutral electron donor; the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is a triazolylidene ligand of the formula:

R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently hydrogen or a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, carboxylate, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, aryloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl and alkylsulfinyl, wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein X¹ and X² are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted moiety and unsubstituted moiety, wherein the moiety is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkoxide, aryloxide, alkyldiketonate, aryldiketonate, carboxylate, arylsulfonate, alkylsulfonate, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, and alkylsulfinyl, and wherein the moiety substitution is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, and aryl; and L¹ and L² are each independently selected from the group consisting of phosphine, sulfonated phosphine, phosphite, phosphinite, phosphonite, arsine, stibine, ether, amine, amide, imine, sulfoxide, carboxyl, nitrosyl, pyridine, and thioether; and R¹ is hydrogen and R² is phenyl.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein X¹ and X² are each chloride and L¹ and L² are each independently selected from the group consisting of P(cyclohexyl)₃, P(cyclopentyl)₃, P(isopropyl)₃, and P(phenyl)₃.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is unsaturated.
 29. A compound formed by attaching a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand to a ruthenium metal carbene metathesis complex comprising: contacting the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand with a compound of the formula

wherein X¹ and X² are either the same or different and are an anionic ligand; R¹ and R² are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups are identical or different and are selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or noncyclic radicals from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms and silyl radicals, or R¹ and R² contain a ring, L¹ and L² are either the same or difference and are neutral electron donor; the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is a triazolylidene ligand of the formula:

R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently hydrogen or a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, carboxylate, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, aryloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl and alkylsulfinyl, wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein X¹ and X² are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted moiety and unsubstituted moiety, wherein the moiety is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkoxide, aryloxide, alkyldiketonate, aryldiketonate, carboxylate, arylsulfonate, alkylsulfonate, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, and alkylsulfinyl, and wherein the moiety substitution is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, and aryl; and L¹ and L² are each independently selected from the group consisting of phosphine, sulfonated phosphine, phosphite, phosphinite, phosphonite, arsine, stibine, ether, amine, amide, imine, sulfoxide, carboxyl, nitrosyl, pyridine, and thioether; and R¹ is hydrogen and R² is phenyl.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein X¹ and X² are each chloride and L¹ and L² are each independently selected from the group consisting of P(cyclohexyl)₃, P(cyclopentyl)₃, P(isopropyl)₃, and P(phenyl)₃.
 32. A complex of ruthenium of the structural formula I,

where X¹ and X² are identical or different and are each an anionic ligand, R¹ and R² are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups are identical or different and are selected independently from among straight-chain, branched, cyclic or noncyclic radicals from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms and silyl radicals, or R¹ and R² contain a ring, where one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon or silyl groups or both the hydrocarbon and silyl group can be replaced independently by identical or different alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, metallocenyl, halogen, nitro, nitroso, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or sulfonyl groups, the ligand L¹ is an N-heterocyclic carbene of the formulae II-V and the ligand L² is an uncharged electron donor,

where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ in the formulae II, III, IV and V are identical or different and are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, where the hydrocarbon groups comprise identical or different, cyclic, noncyclic, straight-chain or/and branched radicals selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, alkenyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms, alkynyl radicals having up to 50 carbon atoms and aryl radicals having up to 30 carbon atoms, in which at least one hydrogen may be replaced by functional groups, and where one or both of R³ and R⁴ may be identical or different halogen, nitro, nitroso, alkoxy, aryloxy, amido, carboxyl, carbonyl, thio or sulfonyl groups. 